Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim is to present the Catholic Church’s teaching on media and ecology. The research was conceived to test the hypothesis that Catholicism recognizes the ecological dimension and the potential of media as a tool for shaping human relationships with the environment.

THE RESEARCH AND PROBLEM METHODS: The Catholic Church’s teaching on media is extensive and intertwined. The same applies to its teaching on ecology. Therefore, the analysis focused on the most important documents, from the beginnings of radio use to the digital era, which address both media and ecological issues.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The first papal radio message addressed by Pius XI to God and all creatures, is considered. Paul VI’s message for VII World Communications Day is discussed, where the Pope points to the new creation. The teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on an attitude of religious respect for the integrity of creation is presented. The next section deals with Benedict XVI’s Caritas in veritate, specifically with an approach to the natural environment in a spirit of love and covenant. The final document considered is Francis’s Laudato si’: in this case, the focus is on the formative potential of the media.

RESEARCH RESULTS: The research confirmed the hypothesis that the Catholic Church pays attention to ecology and the media, including showing that the latter constitutes a significant aid in shaping relationships between people and the environment.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The Catholic Church’s teaching on ecology and the media reflects the current period but even anticipates and leads further. Therefore, it has practical and educational significance. It is crucial to assess what needs to be done regarding its reception and to compare the teaching of the Catholic Church with the positions of other groups.